Eligibility for monkeypox vax expanded

The monkeypox (MPXV) vaccination eligibility criteria have been expanded making it easier for those at risk to have access to NSW’s vaccination program. The vaccination sites and online booking system have also been expanded.

This expansion allows more people to get the JYNNEOS vaccine.

According to ACON gay, bisexual men and men who have sex with men (cis and trans) with multiple or casual sexual partners, as well as anyone who has sex with these men, including women (cis and trans), and non-binary people will now be eligible to get the vaccine.

NSW Health has launched a new online booking system allowing people to make appointments online.

The rollout of the vaccine will also ramp up with more vaccination sites being set up around NSW including in regional locations.

“ACON and our partner NSW Health thank our communities for their patience in accessing the JYNNEOS vaccine. Interest in accessing the vaccine has been extremely high and we’re encouraged by the fact that our communities remain as keen as always to protect their health and that of their partners,” ACON CEO Nicolas Parkhill said. 

“The expansion of eligibility and the set-up of more sites means more people at risk of MPXV are able to receive their vaccinations. 

“With an increase in clinics and more supply due to arrive in NSW in October, we can continue efforts to protect the health of our communities and prevent an outbreak of MPXV in NSW and Australia.”

Mr Parkhill says it’s important that people continue to take steps to reduce their risk of MPXV exposure until they are fully vaccinated, which includes two doses at least 28 days apart.

“It’s important our communities continue to be self-aware when it comes to their health,” Mr Parkhill said.

“Let’s continue to take measures that help us all stay safe such as understanding how MPXV is transmitted, reducing risk, practising good hygiene, self-isolating when unwell and seeking medical attention when symptoms appear by calling your GP, local sexual health clinic or the NSW Sexual Health Info link on 1800 451 624.”

Visit the NSW Health Monkeypox Vaccine page here: health.nsw.gov.au/book-a-monkeypox-vaccine.